11 runners to target their 30th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2026

To date 98 runners have completed 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons or more - 95 men and three women.  The 11 runners that are looking to join this illustrious group are: Robert Button (age 66), Lawrence Ashworth (69), David Beard (62), Denzil Abrahams (66), Ravi Govender (54), Christiaan Steyn (65), Arthur Valasis (74), Deon Pienaar (69), Mark Carlson (55), Curtis Rajoo (53) and Kim Pain (59).

Curtis Rajoo, of Run4Fun in KwaZulu-Natal and Ravi Govender of Team Vitality CGA in Johannesburg are the two youngest men attempting to complete their 30th Ultra in 2026.

Rajoo first ran the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 1995 at the age of 22. Three decades later, the race remains woven into the fabric of his life. “As they say, TTOM is the most beautiful race, but it’s also tough,” says Rajoo. “Reaching 30 is big for me. It was always a goal. After so many years, I can’t imagine not running TTOM. If I’m not on that start line, what would I even be doing that day?”.

For Govender, the annual pilgrimage from Johannesburg to Cape Town is as much about camaraderie as it is about competition. For over three decades, he and two close friends have driven down together, turning race weekend into a cherished ritual.

“It’s the people and that feeling of crossing the line,” says Govender. “That euphoria when you’ve beaten the clock, when you’ve conquered the mountains and conquered yourself.”

He draws inspiration from longtime friend George Tadden (75), who is already a 30-time finisher “We travel together every year. Seeing what’s possible keeps you motivated.”

For Celtic Harriers stalwart, Denzil Abrahams, lining up for his 30th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon signifies a full circle moment and a lasting legacy that stirs deep emotions.

“In 1993 my father, Edward Abrahams, died from a sudden heart attack at age 54,” says Abrahams. “The year I finished my first Two Oceans Ultra; I started asking questions about my eternal destiny. I immediately drew a parallel with my love for endurance in running and as a believer. My love for TTOM just grew and grew.”

Family has formed the quiet scaffolding beneath that achievement. “I am now married for 40 years, and I am very thankful that for 30 years my wife Debbie has been part of my Two Oceans journey,” he says.

After failing to qualify in 2025, Abrahams ran the Half Marathon alongside his daughter, Linzi Coller. Now, with unfinished business ahead, he’s chasing Triple Blue at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2026.

Kim Pain will be the only female runner on the start line that will be going for her 30th Ultra Marathon in 2026. Her achievement highlights remarkable consistency, endurance, and dedication to the sport. 

Read more here: https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/kim-pain-the-only-female-runner-chasing-30th-totalsports-two-oceans-ultra-marathon-in-2026/

“Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is a rare mark of durability and commitment. Best of luck to Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and especially Kim Pain - an athlete whose consistency over the years embodies the spirit of this race,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

Echoing this sentiment, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, adds: “We wish Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis - and Kim Pain - all the best as they attempt to complete their 30th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Here’s to an incredible milestone and another memorable race!”